Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chairman of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement today in response to the escalating violence and deadly terrorist attacks in Israel:

“The recent terrorist rocket attacks by Hamas into Israel have killed innocent civilians and must not be tolerated.  These deplorable, cowardly atrocities have no possible justification and should be condemned by all Americans. We would not tolerate one rocket launched against our homeland, much less the 800 rocket attacks on Israel in 2012, with over 500 this past week alone.

“Recently, air raid sirens blared in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, sending one million Israelis to huddle in bomb shelters. I have visited Israel and been to the areas targeted by the terrorists.  My heart goes out to the brave families who live there, and I send my condolences to the families of those who have been killed.

“America must continue to stand firmly with Israel, our friend and closest ally in the region.  I will continue to fight for them, support them, and defend them.”

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